December 2023
Where conditions allow, CAL FIRE can actively remove overgrown vegetation through the careful use of prescribed fire. These efforts promote forest health and create conditions that change fire behavior, reduce negative ecosystem impacts, and enable fire fighters to better protect local communities.
RESEARCH & DEMONSTRATION: Prescribed Fire Return and Forest Health at JDSF

From ocean cliffs to the high Sierra, fire plays a fundamental role in the ecosystems and lifecycles of California’s landscapes. New research published by UC Berkley demonstrates just how important fire is to forested landscapes in California in making them healthier and more resilient. In the coastal redwood ecosystem, new research that is part of the proposed Pyro-Silvicultural Timber Harvest Plan will aid in this understanding of the role fire plays on out landscape. The purpose of this research project will reintroduce prescribed fire into a redwood stand and test if it can be used as a tool in timber management.

Learn more about this research opportunity as well as UC Berkeley’s twenty-year study by following the links below.
Mushroom picking is on the rise at JDSF! Did you know that 256 mushroom permits were issued in calendar year 2013 at JDSF. A decade later, and 1,016 mushroom permits were already issued in 2023 as of November 3, 2023.
RECREATION: The Past, Present, and Future of Mushroom Picking at JDSF
 
In last month’s JDSF Newsletter, we looked at Annual Mushroom Foray at the forest. In This month’s edition we take a deeper dive into the history and future of mushroom picking and surveying at JDSF and the important role it plays in the forest’s ecology, economy, and culture.

Mushroom picking on the Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF) has always been popular. With such a high diversity of species, including edibles species like the Chanterelle, Porcini, Hedgehog, Coccora, Matsutake, Candy Cap—to name just a few—it only makes sense that enthusiasts would come from far and wide to discover the bounty to be had on JDSF. 

Learn more about the past, present, and future of fungi foraging and surveying by following the link below. 
Ensatinas live in humid forests, woodlands and other areas with woody debris. They hide under logs, bark piles at the base of snags (standing dead trees), stumps and even woodpiles in residential areas for cover from weather and protection from predators.
Thriving at JDSF: The Oregon Ensatina Salamander

In the lush landscapes of Mendocino County, the Oregon Ensatina salamander (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) reigns as one of the region's most prevalent terrestrial amphibians. This captivating creature is part of a distinguished family of lungless salamanders, scientifically known as Plethodontidae, where respiration occurs through their delicate, moisture-laden skin due to the conspicuous absence of lungs.

Learn more about this remarkable species by following the link below. 
NEWS:
The Economic Impact of JDSF to Mendocino County

CAL FIRE contributes to the economic wellbeing of Mendocino County through recreation, research, restoration, mushroom foraging, and sustainable forest management. But did you know that CAL FIRE also directly contributes to Mendocino County’s economy by paying annual property taxes? This is unique among state landowning agencies which are generally exempt from property taxes.
Salmon Spawning Open House at JDSF - January 6, 10 AM

Curious about the life cycle of the salmon of the Little North Fork Noyo River? Join California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Trout Unlimited, CAL FIRE and UCCE for a public salmon spawning survey in the redwoods. Attendees will meet at Camp 1 at 10 AM on January 6. After circling in the estuary, waiting for the storm, the salmon are headed up stream. The first three fish were seen at the monitoring station on JDSF on December 3. This recent storm has the salmon moving again, and January 6 should be a great day to see our local Fish and Wildlife monitoring team in action.
Jackson Advisory Group Seeking New Member Applicants

CAL FIRE JDSF invites public involvement in the management of JDSF through participation on its Jackson Advisory Group (JAG). The JAG advises CAL FIRE and the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) on forest management at JDSF. CAL FIRE is seeking two JAG applicants to provide expertise. The two applicants must have expertise in one of the following categories: Small Private Forestland Owner and Industrial Forestland Owner. Interested persons should apply by submitting a letter of interest and resume by Friday, January 12, 2024, to the address available in the link below.

Learn more about these positions and the JAG by following the link below: